About three weeks after the appearance of the advertisement in
'Galignani,' one of Mark Wylder's letters reached Larkin. It was dated
from Geneva(!) and said:--


'DEAR LARKIN,--I saw my friend _Smith_ here in the cafe, who has kept a
bright look out, I dare say; and tells me that Captain Stanley Lake is
thinking of standing either for the county or for Dollington. I will
thank you to apprise him that I mean to take my choice first; and please
hand him the enclosed notice open as you get it; and, if you please, to
let him run his eye also over this note to you, as I have my own reasons
for wishing him to know that you have seen it.

'This is all I will probably trouble you about elections for some months
to come, or, at least, weeks. It being time enough when I go back, and no
squalls a-head just now at home, though foreign politics look muggy
enough.

'I have nothing particular at present about tenants or timber, except the
three acres of oak behind Farmer Tanby's--have it took down. Thomas Jones
and me went over it last September, and it ought to bring near 3,000_l_.
I must have a good handful of money by May next.

'Yours, my dear Larkin,

'Very truly,

'MARK WYLDER.'